Expo West Recap – Baby Products

Last weekend I attended the largest natural products trade show, Expo West (there’s also Expo East – the same show held on the east coast). I love Expo West. Just think of every brand at Whole Foods, and any other health food or supplement store, coming to share what their newest creations are and educate you about what they represent and the inspiration behind it. Even in the three days full days the show is on, I feel one couldn’t possibly cover all of it, it’s that big.

It was even more fun this year now that I have Evie to look out for. And that is what this post is about since the best baby products and what I found for us older peeps would be a little lengthy. I will write another post for that! Getting to combine my existing passion for health and wellness with parenting and finding companies I can trust to supply safe, non-toxic ingredients for my baby is the best.

Sprout Organics have purees and finger foods (snacks) to choose from age ranges six months to toddlers. Evie loves their quinoa puffs and every puree I’ve given her so far. Because they are all organic, no added sugar, and stick to the basics, I trust Sprout Organics to give to my daughter!

Plum Organics I love the range of products Plum Organics has and their story. They started in 2007 when the founder became a dad himself. Realizing there was a lack of great tasting, healthy purees with different vegetable and grain options, Plum Organics was born. Plum is the largest purchaser of amaranth in the world! Crazy, right?! I like introducing Evie to all sorts of grains – especially because I am gluten intolerant myself. I do not want to overload her on one in particular, especially anything refined. I have mason jars of grains I’ve ground up myself for her, but when you want something convenient, this is perfect. All their pouches are made from recycled plastic and they’re a B Corp. In addition to that, they supply kids in need across America with nourishing, organic food with their “The Full Effect” program. I love to support companies that care and give back. Evie’s favorite flavor of their puree is the spinach, peas, and pear combo. Plum Organics offers baby formula, puree pouches, puffs, and cereals.

Nordic Naturals Nordic Naturals cod liver oil is made with 100% wild arctic cod sourced from the Norwegian Sea. The oil has minimum exposure to oxygen so their fish oil is as fresh as possible with the least amount of oxidation. They are certified non-GMO, and are third party tested for their quality. They also go to lengths on their website proving their standards quality. Since the U.S. does not have quality standards, Nordic Naturals adheres to the European Pharmacopoeia Standard (EPS). I take their fish oil myself and happily add it to Evie’s bottles!

Happy Family Happy Family brands is categorized into Happy Baby, Happy Tots, Happy Kids, and Happy Mama’s. Similar to Plum Organics, Happy Family started by seeing a lack for nourishing, organic options for babies. I love their new pouches that are translucent so you can see what’s inside. They too are a sustainable company who gives back, a supporter of Project Peanut Butter, an organization that helps feed children in Africa. Evie really loves their “homestyle meals” which is a combination of veggies, fruits, and grains for the most part. There is a pumpkin, white beans, and kale option that she devours. I like the idea of the yummy snacks for pregnant mama’s (I’m sure that’ll be happening again sometime in the not to distant future – but please don’t quote me on that!!!), but I’ll have to pass since the second ingredient is agave.

Babyganics I think it’s really great that so many of the brands I love started because of their own personal desire to have the best products possible available to their children as new parents themselves. Babyganics began because the new dad could not find planet-safe, baby-safe products on the market. Not only do the ingredients align with my “qualifications”, but when a company started on the foundation of wanting to provide their own children witch ingredients they trusted, it’s easier to feel like you’re in good hands. I don’t just love Babyganics for their baby products either – I am a huge fan of their home line too. Cleaning solutions, laundry detergent, hand sanitizers, and dish soaps – the list goes on but I love all of it. Oh! Their sunscreen should definitely get a special mention. I do live in California, it is a must. Thanks, Babyganics!

Hylands This homeopathic company covers it all. Colic? Check. Runny nose? Check. Teething? Check. Basically if your baby has an ailment, they’ve got a solution. I’ve especially liked their teething tablets and cold and cough syrups for Evie. I’m sure the colic tablets would have worked well had she not had such a special condition (severe silent reflux). I actually began using Hyland’s adult product, Nat Phos, to try to remedy that at home ourselves, but her case was too serious unfortunately. But mama’s, if your child does have reflux – a normal amount, that can be very effective!

I did focus a lot on food brands – but it’s a little early in the game anyway for many supplements and it’s exciting now that she started eating! We do use other brands such as Honest and California Baby in addition to Babyganics (see the pic below! We love the Honest lavender lotion, bubble bath, and ointment. We also love California Baby’s shampoo and body wash.) And I have to share a picture of how beautiful the Honest Company’s booth was. All succulents. So cool!!!

I make a lot of baby food myself for Evie, or just give her bits off my plate (or straight from a banana or avocado), but when I’m in a hurry, didn’t defrost something I made, or am not eating with her (or have a sitter!), I love the convenience of the food pouches. She’s also pretty obsessed with the little puffs and teething rusks. I actually never thought I’d give her any of that. Until I discovered how much she enjoyed them, how easy they are to give her, and the ability it gave her to practice “chewing”. See, my daughter likes to choke herself on the regular. Just like I’ve been told babies self-regulate the amount they eat (until they’re “full” which supposedly they know when and turn their head away), Evie’s never really had a sense of fullness. Her stomach will just continue to expand and I have to decide when she’s done. When your baby is drinking 40 ounces a day of milk at 2 months old, you have to re-asses. And with food, I’ve been told they can “gum” just about anything. She tries to stuff it as far in as it’ll go and choke. I can’t deal, so I think she’s getting some good practice with these! And I have a piece of mind that they dissolve in her mouth anyway. Happy baby, happy mommy, we both win.

Do you have any baby brands you couldn’t live without for your little one?

Carlota love the Sprout apple cinnamon with oats!!! We make most of her purees also but sometimes when on the go the pouches are a mama’s best friend. Carlota wasn’t a fan of the pouches at first and only wanted home made food….but now she’s starting to enjoy them. I love to read when other moms with healthy lifestyles are doing similar things. I love the babyganics sunscreen as well. Definite must in LA!!

I’m glad she’s come around to the pouches because yes, they’re super convenient! It’s just like us, right?! I mean, I’d definitely prefer a home cooked meal but sometimes, a bar it is! We do our best! If only Evie let me put sunscreen on her without acting like I was torturing her. Haha. Yes! We have used the Camila drops as well. They’re great too. Especially their convenient little individual droppers. Thanks for your kind words! 🙂

Hi! I'm Leah, thanks for stopping by! The field of health and wellness is my passion, so I have created a space to answer your health questions all while filling you in on my own personal journey along the way. I am a daughter, wife, sister, new mom, dog mommy, spinner, yogi, traveler, and chocolate lover. I am a certified Holistic Health Coach and if you have a question you want a real-girl answer to, just ask!
"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live." - Jim Rohn